Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Des Moines is 41% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,054/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 52%
$63,966/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 19%
$183,700 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 115%
$1,137/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 47%
212,464
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $12,239/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lowell — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lowell?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lowell?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,239/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Massachusetts?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lowell details →

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